facing the cross – monday of holy week

Golgotha (1954) Pierre Dmitrienko

“Writing is not describing. Painting is not depicting.”

–Georges Braque

Paintings of the crucifixion litter the annals of art history. During Holy Week as I’m finishing up details for worship services to come, I’m taking personal time to pause with a few paintings of the crucifixion scene that are thought-provoking for me. I invite you to join me in the spiritual practice of visio divina (sacred seeing) with these images. Visio divina offers an opening to encounter an image with a contemplative gaze. With slow, purposeful intention one moves from first and second impressions into a deeper conversation with the image. You can find a great introduction to visio divina here.

For today I’ve chosen a painting by Pierre Dmitrienko, a 20th C. French artist. Beginning his artistic career in the age of Expressionism, Dmitrienko wrote that he was not interested in faces but in the “aura” of the human. You can see this perspective in his painting Golgotha. It resists offering the viewer clear details of the scene, that are so prevalent in earlier depictions. Nevertheless, one finds the stormy reality of violence and the depths of evil in his stark, thick strokes of color on the canvas.

Here are some simple steps to practice Visio Divina (sacred seeing) on your own.

1. Begin by settling in. Pay attention to your breathing. With intention, pray for openness to the presence of the Sacred.
2. Now begin to gaze at the image. Let go of any expectations, but simply explore the painting. Pay attention to colors, movements, shapes and details.
3. What are you drawn to? What repels you? Are there memories that are being evoked? Pay attention to your feelings and thoughts, but resist making judgments. Simply acknowledge your feelings and continue to stay open to the painting.
4. Explore your responses to the painting. What is stirring within you? Is this image speaking to you in this moment of your life? Are there any desires or longings in you that are arising in this encounter? Take time to attend to these responses in prayer to God. You may wish to respond further by writing or sketching in a journal.
5. As your prayer time comes to an end, move into another level of stillness. Let go of the words and responses you’ve had in this experience. Allow yourself to rest fully in silence, being held in the steadfast love of God.